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Tawanchai PK Saenchai is recognized as one of the best strikers on the planet today as the reigning and defending ONE featherweight Muay Thai world champion. At just 25 years old, what he has been able to accomplish is nothing short of extraordinary, and he gets the credit and respect for that.
There is, however, one win that some critics have disputed in recent times and that gives the champion a lot of motivation to prove them wrong.
In 2023, with the featherweight Muay Thai division firmly under control, he ventured into kickboxing to try working his way up the ladder. The Thai star came up against Jo Nattawut at ONE Fight Night 15, where despite getting his hand raised, many felt like the win should have gone to his opponent.
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Nattawut may have not gotten the judges' verdict on that night but his closely contested bout has earned him a rematch. This time around, he will challenge for his opponent's Muay Thai world championship.
In a recent interview with Sportskeeda MMA, Tawanchai said that he is looking forward to proving some people wrong at ONE 167:
"It is not uncommon for people to criticize. I'm not serious about it but I'll wait to see the day they eat their words."
Tawanchai undoubtedly has a strong starting position in this fight
Closely contested or not, Tawanchai was the winner on the scorecards the last time that he met Jo Nattawut in kickboxing. Whilst this rematch is happening because of how split the verdict was in many people's eyes, the champion is undoubtedly back on home turf for this one.
Despite his ventures into kickboxing, there is no denying that he is at his best when competing in Muay Thai, as proven by his last title defense against Superbon at ONE Friday Fights 46.
The defending kingpin will look to close this chapter with 'Smokin' Jo for good on June 7, silencing some doubters along the way.
ONE 167 will air live from the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand, on June 7. North American fans with an active Amazon Prime Video subscription can catch the entire card live and for free in U.S. primetime.
